BlackRock, Inc., a U.S.-based entity, has notified Vodafone Group Plc of an increase in its voting rights in the company. As of July 30, 2024, BlackRock, Inc. holds a total of 6.5% of voting rights in Vodafone Group Plc, up from the previous 6.45%. This increase is attributed to both direct voting rights and voting rights through financial instruments.
The breakdown of BlackRock, Inc.'s holdings includes 5.97% of direct voting rights, along with 0.53% of voting rights through financial instruments. These financial instruments include American Depository Receipts, Securities Lending, Contracts for Difference (CFD), and Equity Linked Notes (ELN). The total number of voting rights held by BlackRock, Inc. in Vodafone Group Plc is 1,743,626,604.
The notification also provides a detailed chain of controlled undertakings through which the voting rights and financial instruments are effectively held by BlackRock, Inc. This includes various subsidiaries and entities under the control of BlackRock, Inc., outlining the structure of its holdings and influence.
This notification indicates a significant increase in BlackRock, Inc.'s stake in Vodafone Group Plc, which may have implications for the company's shareholder structure and corporate governance. It also underscores the continued interest of major institutional investors in Vodafone Group Plc and its strategic direction.